Documentary on gamelan features UCLA's I. Nyoman Wenten

Wenten is the focus of "Bali: Beats of Paradise," which premiered at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts earlier this month.

UCLA November 30, 2018 — A new film on the traditional music and dance form of Bali, gamelan, received its world premiere at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts on November 7, 2018. Directed by Livi Zheng, “Bali: Beats of Paradise” portrays the life and passions of I. Nyoman Wenten, professor of ethnomusicology and director, Music of Bali Ensemble, at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music.

UCLA Chancellor Gene Block, together with Vice Provost Cindy Fan, executive producers Juila Gouw (philanthropist and donor to the CSEAS Indonesian Studies Program) and Umar Hadi (ambassador of Indonesia to the Republic of Korea) and CSEAS representatives attended the premiere, which was received enthusiastically by an audience of dignitaries, students, scholars, musicians, film industry leaders and members of the Indonesian and Los Angeles communities.. (A video of the welcoming remarks preceding the premiere can be seen on the “Bali: Beats of Paradise” Facebook Page.)